It’s a choice to persist, dig deep and take action when it feels like the world is working against you. It’s the willingness to overcome exhaustion, resistance and unpleasant circumstances. It's the courage to work hard, stick-to-it and press on no matter what.

Perseverance is a lesson that can be reapplied and revisited when you want to quit and give up on yourself.

You never know what's around the corner. It could be everything. Or it could be nothing. You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you've climbed a mountain. ~Tom Hiddleston

11 Must Have Tips for Perseverance and Success

1. Work hard.

Slick online marketers want you to believe that you can get rich quick with your online business as long as you buy their program and follow their directions. This is simply not true. You must put in the hours. You must work hard. It takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert. My question to you is, “How hard are you willing to work?"

2. Quiet the voice of resistance.

The voice in your head wants you to stay safe and sound in a comfort zone. It’s the voice that says: "I can’t. It won’t work. That’s a dumb idea. You’re not smart enough. You’re not worthy." Talk back to the voice. Prove it wrong.

3. Take action.

If you want to be a painter, paint. If you want to be a writer, write. If you want to be a doctor, go to med school. You must do what you say you’re going to do. Taking action wipes out fear. It works. Act deliberately.

4.Maintain enthusiasm.

Keep your spirits high. Know your “big why.” Why do you want what you want? Do you want to find a cure for cancer? Do you want fame? Do you want to increase your income? Create visual reminders of your “big why." Place them where you’ll see them every day. Be inspired by your future.

5. Be creative.

Don’t imitate others. Go where others have never been. Take a risk. Do the unthinkable. Go places you haven’t been before. See things you haven’t seen before. Introduce yourself to people who have what you want.

6. Act like a grown up.

Take responsibility. Let go of blame and excuses. Don’t whine and complain. Be willing to do what it takes. Go the extra mile. Do it with a smile on your face.

7.Do one more thing.

In spite of how you feel, make one more phone call, write one more page, create one more video. When you want to quit, set your timer for 15 more minutes. Keep on keepin’ on.

8.Let go.

What bad habit holds you back? Where do you waste time? Where do you lose ground? Turn off your TV, games and porn. Stop drinking, drugging and procrastinating. Let go of bitterness, resentment and anger. Get help if you have to. Put your new found energy into your dream.

9. Prepare.

Begin your day with quiet time, meditation or journaling. This will give you clarity. Choose three of your most important tasks. This is your to-do list. Don’t check email or surf the net. Don’t allow for interruptions. Be 100% focused on your work.

10. Create a support network.

Find people who are doing what you want to do and befriend them. Get a mentor. Hang out with positive people. Build a community. Become a giver and a go-to person.

11.Take care of yourself.

Keep up your energy. Eat healthy and exercise. Take scheduled breaks. Always make room for fun and play. Don’t dwell on your mistakes. Spend time with your family and friends.

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Love this line – Begin your day with meditation, prayer or journaling. That daily practice can begin the shift in thinking that is so needed for perseverance and success. Thanks Tess! Another great one.

TessJuly 31, 2013, 1:00 pm

Cathy,
As long as quiet time is spend looking inward I don’t think it matters what one does. Silence in the morning is magic!

Hi Tess! What I’ve found is that the “Maintain Enthusiasm” is crucial to keeping toward your goal. It can be difficult. And actually, as much as we hate to admit it, sometimes we have to fake it. Sometimes those moments of hardship or where nothing seems to be happening can get us down. But our experiences are shaped by how we perceive the moment. And even in faking our enthusiasm, we can somehow find ways to bring that excitement to the surface. Hope you’re well!

Hi Tess. This is a great post. All of us who are going someplace, have dreams, or are working towards a goal need to read these every day. Some days we get tired of the push and want to sit down and put our feet up, but we must persist. Like Bryan said we have to maintain our enthusiasm, our drive. In my mid 50s I started back to school to get a master’s degree. There were so many times I didn’t think I would make it, but when I finally stopped and looked back I had earned 2 master’s degrees. I have to remember this on the next leg of my journey.

TessJuly 31, 2013, 1:01 pm

Dana,
Two master’s degrees…wow! Yes please do count your successes and celebrate them as well!

Leonard Thompson JrJuly 31, 2013, 11:44 am

Hey Tess!

I have found tip number 3 to be really, really true!
In fact, I have found that if I do not take action EVERY DAY, (even if it is a small action) I will start to feel down on my self and even question my ability to accomplish the ultimate goal.
Action everyday, even if it is small action, is the fuel for success.
Thanks for the post!

Leonard Thompson JrJuly 31, 2013, 11:48 am

Hey Tess!

Tip #3 really resonates with me.
In fact, I have found if I do not take action EVERY DAY (even if it is a extremely small task) I will begin to become discouraged.
Consistent action towards your goals truly fuels success
Thanks for the post!